In her first year as Head Coach of the Tilton School Girls Soccer program, Anna Pedreschi has helped guide the Rams to the #2 seed in the NEPSAC Class D Tournament, where they’ll take on #7 Landmark School in the first round. Before the big match, Coach Pedreschi took a few minutes to answer some questions about her path to Tilton and a remarkable first season on the Hill.
What brought you to Tilton School?
Coach Pedreschi: I attended Lawrence Academy, and ever since I graduated in 2020, I knew I wanted to return as a faculty member to a New England Prep School. When I visited Tilton last March I knew it was the place for me. The faculty, students and staff were all so welcoming and warm. It felt like a big exhale when I arrived on campus.
What were your expectations going into the year? What goals did you have for your team?
Coach Pedreschi: As a new head coach, I did not have many expectations. I was inheriting a team that did not know me and I did not know them, it was intimidating at first. The first day of pre-season I knew that this team could be something special. They had a spark that needed to be ignited.
What is a hard thing you’ve seen your team/an individual player do well this year? How did they grow from that experience?
Coach Pedreschi: A lot of my players’ main sport is not soccer. After finding out we had a chance at making playoffs, and then making it, it was a challenge for them to face the fact that they will be starting their main sport later than normal. After facing this challenge head on, their spirit never wavered and they are fully committed to bringing home a championship. To me, they are doing a hard thing really well.
How do your faculty/community life roles help you know and support your team?
Coach Pedreschi: I wear several hats at Tilton. As well as being the Varsity Girls Soccer head coach, I am an English teacher and dorm parent. Seeing my players in these environments off the field has let me get to know them as people, not just as soccer players. These connections off the field have only helped team chemistry on the field.
What are you most proud of this season?
Coach Pedreschi: I am most proud of the girls’ attitudes this season. Seeing the passion and willingness to win throughout the season has inspired me. I have told them multiple times that changing the culture of Tilton Girls Varsity soccer starts with them, and I think they have done a pretty good job of starting something amazing.
